Obituary of Samuel Sabato Picciocca

Samuel ?Sabato? Picciocca, 94, of Division Street passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday morning at his home. A lifelong resident of Amsterdam, he was the eldest of ten children of Stefano and Angelina Colucci Picciocca, who was born on November 18, 1911. He began a long career with Mohawk Carpet Mills, which lasted for thirty-six years. Later, he worked for Amsterdam Decorating as a painter for the late Otto Greco. Sam retired in 1975 as a machinist for the General Electric Company in Schenectady. During World War II he served with the US Navy Seabees in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Throughout his entire life, Sam was active in the Amsterdam Community. He served as a Republican Committeeman for twenty-six years, and was on the Mayor?s Advisory Council for Seniors. He was a member of the James T. Bergen Post 39, and was Amvet?s Man of the Year in 1979. Sam was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church where he for many years was its annual Festa Chairman. He was currently president of the St. Agnello Congrega, and was past president of the St. Agnello Social Club and a member of St. Michael?s Seniors. On June 16, 1935, he was united in marriage to the former Sophie Ottati. In addition to his beloved wife of seventy-one years, he leaves his sister, Stefanie ?Fannie? Masto of Amsterdam, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers, Anthony and John Picciocca; sisters, Jennie Agresta, Mary DeMeo, and this past year, Julia Martuscello and Theresa Bilinski. Services are Thursday at 8:15 a.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, followed at 9:15 by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael the Archangel Church with Fr. Lawrence J. Decker, pastor, as celebrant. Interment with military honors will take place in St. Mary?s Cemetery, Ft. Johnson. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to St. Michael?s Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home.